As AV-over-IP installations grow in scale and complexity, the distinction between network performance and production workflow issues is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. NETGEAR Enterprise is addressing this challenge by expanding its Professional Services program beyond network infrastructure, with NDI becoming the first ecosystem partner to join the initiative.
The agreement allows customers and systems integrators to access NDI workflow design and optimisation services through NETGEAR’s existing distribution and reseller channel. The move brings network and workflow expertise under one service offering, helping simplify the design, deployment and troubleshooting of AV-over-IP systems.
Previously, NETGEAR’s Professional Services focused on network design, deployment and optimisation. Although its Pro AV switches have supported NDI for years through certified hardware and dedicated preconfigured profiles, services relating to the production workflow remained outside the program.
The expanded offering changes that arrangement. NETGEAR can now scope and sell NDI workflow services through its established two-tier channel, with each engagement tailored to the project’s requirements. These project-based services operate independently of NETGEAR’s Premium Support tiers.
The development addresses a common challenge facing integrators. What begins as a relatively straightforward AV-over-IP installation in a meeting room or studio can quickly develop into a complex network of interconnected devices across multiple spaces or buildings. When performance issues arise, identifying whether the problem originates in the network, the workflow or the interaction between the two can prove difficult.
“We launched Professional Services at the network layer, and this partnership with NDI extends that same program to what runs on top of the network,” said Massimo Mazzeo, VP, Global Systems Engineering, Customer Support and Services at NETGEAR Enterprise. “For our customers, the scope now covers the NDI workflow as well, so the expertise for the network and the expertise for the production layer come from the same place.”
Building on an Established AV-over-IP Relationship
NDI is a natural starting point for the expanded program, having been NETGEAR’s longest-standing AV-over-IP partner.
The relationship stretches back to NDI becoming the first AV-over-IP protocol supported by a NETGEAR Pro AV profile. Since then, NETGEAR’s Pro AV switches have undergone certification at NDI’s testing facilities, while NDI training has been made available through NETGEAR Academy.
NETGEAR also holds a seat on NDI’s Technical Advisory Board, reinforcing the technical collaboration between the two companies.
“NDI’s growth in Pro AV has brought in a different kind of customer, one who depends on their integrator to design the system rather than building it themselves,” said Charles Dobson, Director of Business Development at NDI. “Making our expertise available through NETGEAR’s channel puts it where those projects are actually specified.”
More Ecosystem Partners to Follow
While NDI is the first partner to join the expanded Professional Services program, NETGEAR intends to extend the model to other ecosystem partners.
The company emphasised that its Pro AV portfolio remains protocol-neutral, with continued support for the range of AV-over-IP technologies available on its switches.
For systems integrators, the broader significance lies in how AV-over-IP projects are supported. As installations increasingly depend on the interaction between network infrastructure and specialised production workflows, access to expertise across both areas could help reduce the complexity of deployment and ongoing system optimisation.
NDI workflow services are available through NETGEAR’s authorized distribution and reseller channel, with services tailored to each project. Partners and customers can discuss their requirements with NETGEAR here.
More information can be found here.
